Is Disney feeling the Economic Crunch? About This Page:

[IdahoDisneyMom]

I hadn't thought about visitors from other countries. If they're doing better than the US, we may feel like a minority at WDW!

It's a scary time we're living in. My good friend's DH just found out this week that he's probably going to lose his job very soon, b/c his company is heading down and out. Unfortunately for our Boise economy, it's one of the largest employers in our area. That's going to be a lot of people without jobs. My DH and I are counting our blessings every day that our jobs seem secure for now.

That said, we're pinching pennies, not buying luxuries. We're trying to eat out less, and when we do I often split a meal with DD and DH and I just get water to drink. We're still planning on our trip Dec 2009, but we'll see how much spending $$ we have when that time comes.

By the way, while Chihuahua looks stupid, it was like #1 at the box office last weekend. Scary, I know.

[wengerts08]

My family and I are also going on our first WDW trip in Dec. We are in the same situation. It is taking everything we have to be able to go. But our daughter is 10 and I wanted this to one of the biggest memories she carries thru-out her life and that is the main thing that is important us right now. Living today!!!

[katydid]

The only reason we are going on this Nov/Dec. trip is because of the great pin code they sent us in August. Undoubtedly it was sent because of the slower economy.

I mailed in our final payment this week, but oh was that hard to do when Wall Street was setting records for negative numbers!

[Tonichelle]

if it hadn't been for the big check that Alaskans got this year, I would have a tough time making it in January...

that being said - yes I think every tourist attraction in america will feel the pinch, including Disney. I don't think the crisis is as huge as the media is pushing it, nor do I believe it's just our nation going through it (let the rest of the world blame our economy for theirs, but really...) the modern worlds is getting bit in the butt big time because we're all so used to spending more than we make. That the credit can just keep coming. Now, we're seeing that - duh! it can't!

we should all go back to the barter system

[skateycat]

both yvonne and i had bounceback offers in our rooms...she stayed in a deluxe, i was at a moderate. unfortunately, i cannot recall if free dining was attached. i also don't remember there being any date restrictions, but again i could be wrong. and the crowds were definitely there when i was there last week. not the usual holiday or summer type crowds, but more crowded than i expected to be honest. and people seemed to be spending without much abandon. oh, and yes, there were a lot of other languages besides american english being spoken...they may have even outnumbered us, i don't know. as you all said, i think disney will do whatever it takes to keep parks filled, maybe to our (the consumer) advantage!

[Minnie Lor]

Originally Posted by Cornergirl44

We are planning a trip for Jan 2009 and would LOVE to see Disney offer free dining. Has anyone ever seen this before in January

I haven't but then you never can tell. I'd never seen it in November or December and it's being offered this year.

[DippyDog]

I have plans for Dec.2009 and will just wait and see what happens. Disney will do what it has to in order to keep its parks full. Me I booked a lesser expensive room then I would have otherwise. Yes I believe every business is feeling the crunch and I don't see it getting sny better anytime soon. Let us all pray for guidence and that we all can get through these scary times.

[GinaButtrfly]

Originally Posted by lovemickey44

We too have cut out lots of things. Eating out, little trips,. We carpool if possible and on and on.

Unfortunately for us, my parents own an Italian restaurant in the Bronx, NY. Everyone cuts EATING OUT and each month its harder and harder to pay the bills, staff, buy the food....

[Disney fan!]

Everyone keeps hoping for free dining, however we are DVC and we don't get any deals on the dining plan. I wish they would at least offer us a discount. We have to pay our $ monthly regardless, so I guess they figure we will visit anyway so why give us any discounts on food. And they are right we will still visit! Just cut back on everything else

[aliceinwdw]

We always "pay for" our vacations with 0% cc's that give us 12-15 months to pay off the trip. We're doing that again this year, but since we're going for so long, we're trying to do more of the things we've never had a chance to do; i.e. Poly Luau, etc. So we'll be spending some money, but I have a bit of $ saved to do so. It bites to have to worry so much, but I can't let the economy get me down so much that my WDW will be allowed to be affected!

to those who are really hurting, and to those of us hanging on!!

[cgai729]

Originally Posted by Lemap760

I think they are searching for more business. I just got an email today for another free dining offer for Visa cardmembers. The free dining was in the November time period. I don't remember seeing those dates before.

what are the exact dates? I have not gotten one and I am a disney card visa holder. Just wondering.... thanks

[disneydad888]

It was a hard decision to skip Jan. '09. We were really hoping to go in Oct. '09, but now that looks like a maybe instead of a for sure. With 60% of our retirement gone, it's hard to spend thousands of dollars to go on a family vacation. The free admission on your birthday is a great idea, but for those of us who have to fly to get there, it's a little freebie for a high-cost plane ticket. I think Disney will be feeling the pinch in a few months when those of us who love to go once a year need to start going every 2-3 years. Right now, we're hoping to get back in 2010. If things don't turn around within the next 6 months, there's no way we'll be seeing Mickey for a VERY long time.

[Minnie Lor]

Originally Posted by disneydad888

With 60% of our retirement gone...

I'm so sorry for what you are going thru. My 401K is shot but I have 20 years to build it back up. My DH's is shot too but he has 9 years to build it back. You don't have that cushion and for that I feel bad for you. My folks are in the same boat. I hope things turn around for you and for all of us. Sending your way.

[tdandboys]

Interesting read. We are all hurting.

[Ransom]

At this moment, the various stock indexes are up over 4%. Here's hoping the rise holds and doesn't ebb quickly away as it has in the past.